Linux virtual machine (VMs) are housed in a secure, centrally supported hosting environment. CIT offers the following Linux VM hosting options:
- CIT-Managed Linux VMs – With this option, CIT provides system administration and management functions such as system patching, user account management, and storage and backup management. CIT also provides performance monitoring and on-site or remote system problem diagnosis/resolution by systems experts.
- Self-Managed Linux VMs – With this option, customers are responsible for all system administration functions, including user account management and performance monitoring. CIT will monitor the system ping and provide regular system patching. CIT will also attempt to resolve issues with CIT-installed software. Customers are responsible for resolving issues related to customer-installed software. Upon request, CIT may provide limited support/consultation services for a fee.
Both CIT-Managed and Self-Managed VM services include regular patching and maintenance. Additional options for both services include SSL certificates, network security architectures, application firewalls, shared and dedicated load balancers, and central web and database services.
CIT offers the following CPU and memory configurations for Self-Managed and CIT-Managed Linux VMs:
Customer Benefits
Virtualization generally results in a lower-cost solution over standard dedicated physical servers. Along with the cost savings, opting for virtualization provides other operational benefits, such as:
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Compliance with the NIH Greening Initiative: Virtualization decreases the number of administered physical servers and so reduces the need for floor space as well as overall power and cooling requirements.
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Faster and More Flexible Provisioning: Virtualization expedites most steps of the server provisioning process. The flexibility makes implementing additional servers easier. Ease and speed of implementation of additional VMs provides customers with the flexibility to request additional test or development servers to validate system changes.
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Decreased Downtime: Virtualization allows servers to remain accessible during host server maintenance or failure.
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Higher Capacity Utilization: With virtualization, customers can easily increase capacity. Shared CPU and memory resources can be increased or decreased among virtual machines to allow for peak or sudden workloads.
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Secure and Robust Systems: Virtualization maximizes uptime of business critical systems and offers effective business continuity.
Support
For CIT-Managed Linux VMs, CIT staff provides the same operating system support, patching, security, backup and monitoring as for the dedicated hardware solution.
For Self-Managed VMs, CIT provides regular patching and may provide limited support/consultation services for a fee.
For More Information
For more information or to request service, contact the NIH IT Service Desk online or by phone:
